Arriving at Winthrop University

All new International Students should plan to arrive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. Winthrop University is a 30-minute drive from the Charlotte airport.

Please note:

  • To request transportation from the Charlotte airport, you must provide your exact flight/arrival details to the International Center. We will send an Airport Arrival Form via e-mail once you have secured your F1/J1 student visa. If we do not receive your completed form and travel information by the date requested on the Airport Arrival Form we cannot provide transportation to Winthrop and you must use a taxi.
  • If you request transportation by the date requested, the International Center will try to meet you at the airport and provide transportation to Winthrop at no extra charge.
  • If you plan to arrive in the U.S. prior to our Arrival Day, you are responsible for finding transportation to Winthrop and lodging while in the U.S. 

 On Arrival Day, if you do not request transportation from the airport, and you arrive:

  • Before 5 p.m., report directly to the International Center (address below, #37 on campus map.)   
  • After 5 p.m., report directly to the Winthrop University Police Department in the Good Building. (address below, #38 on campus map).

You should print a Winthrop Campus Map to assist in navigating the campus.

International Center of Winthrop University
701 Oakland Avenue, 218 Dinkins Hall
Rock Hill, South Carolina, 29733
Phone: 803/323-2133

Winthrop University Police Department
526 Myrtle Drive
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733 
Phone: 803/323-3333

Arriving by Plane

The International Center will provide confirmation of a pick-up time when we will meet you at the Charlotte airport. After arriving in Charlotte, you must clear CBP and collect your luggage. The International Center staff will meet you at the "Welcome/Information Center" located between Zone B and Zone C in the Baggage Claim area of the airport. 

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you must contact the International Center immediately and provide updated arrival information. Depending on the updated arrival time, the International Center may not be able to meet you at the airport. You should plan to take a taxi to the Winthrop University campus.  Please instruct your taxi driver to take you to the Winthrop University Police Department at the address listed above. The Winthrop University Police Department will notify the International Center of your arrival. 

Arriving by Bus 

There is a Greyhound bus station in located in Charlotte, NC. This bus station is approximately 25 miles and 1 hour from Winthrop. If you are considering arriving by bus, you should contact the International Center to discuss transportation options from the bus station to Winthrop University.  

Arriving by Train

The closest Amtrak train station is located in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. If you are considering arriving by train, you should contact the International Center to discuss transportation options from the bus station to Winthrop University.  

Luggage

You must attach a tag to each piece of your luggage with the following address:  Winthrop University Police Department, 526 Myrtle Drive, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA 29733 with telephone number 803/323-3333.

If your luggage is delayed, request that the airline forward your luggage to the Winthrop University Police Department Office. This office is open 24 hours a day and can accept delivery of your luggage at any time. The Winthrop University Police Department will notify the International Center when the luggage arrives. You should also pack a small bag with essential items and keep it with you on the plane, in case your luggage is lost.

Please contact the International Center with any questions you may have concerning traveling to Winthrop University.